We have finally broken ground on-site! The foundation has been started, after a long and unexpected holdup with receiving finalized engineering documents. Now that the licensed subcontractors can take part, work is also nearing completion on the core - a prefabricated kitchen and bath unit housing the main components of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Having the engineering finished has not only allowed us to obtain the building permit, but also means that other two systems of the house - the trusses and structurally insulated panels (SIPs) - are being manufactured as we speak.
Reaching these important milestones comes as great news not only to Rev. Williams and the ddbNOLA team, but also to the many other groups and individuals following the project with much anticipation. We have continued to spread Clemson's name and strengthen relationships with organizations such as Trinity Christian Community (TCC) and CITYbuild Consortium of Schools (leading to the Dry-In House design currently being on display at the entrance to the New Orleans City Hall), along with forging new relationships with positive-thinking parties like NOLAsolar and the non-profit Carrollton-Hollygrove Community Development Corporation (CHCDC).
As a result of these interactions, many exciting things are in store for the project. NOLAsolar's involvement with the project has led to a new, much higher level of sustainability in the design: the prototype Dry-In House now includes a solar panel array which will account for 85% of the electrical load, along with solar water heating, greywater recycling, and other energy-efficient measures. NOLAsolar has expressed much interest in being involved in future iterations of the Dry-In design, bringing a heightened level of environmental awareness to the project.
There is still much to look forward to beyond the completion of Rev. Williams' home. Working with TCC and CHCDC has led to great potential for future homes, as we have met with several community members who would like to own their own Dry-In House once Reverend Williams' is completed. CHCDC has also expressed further interest in the project, and together we have submitted a proposal for a $275,000 grant through the Greater New Orleans Foundation. The money would serve as funding for the construction of four more Dry-In Houses over one year's time, with the long-term goal of providing mass affordable housing throughout New Orleans. Aside from this grant opportunity, Rev. Williams' desire for a garden has led to ddbNOLA's involvement with CHCDC's backyard gardening program (in cooperation with the New Orleans Food and Farm Network) on current and future Dry-In Houses. This fits well with the Dry-In House's goals of fostering community interaction and environmental awareness and education, while providing further exposure for the Dry-In project to those who could truly benefit from its innovative use of technology.
The groundbreaking has arrived after a long period of waiting, and it has brought renewed energy and spirit to the ddbNOLA team. We are very grateful for the support that has brought us this far and the continued support of those around us and especially Rev. Williams, whose open-mindedness, patience, and desire to improve the lives of his neighbors have been instrumental in keeping this project going.Check back for (more frequent) updates as the first Dry-In House comes to realization!
